obispos

Obispos is the Spanish term for bishops, a clerical rank in several Christian traditions, notably the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Communion. The word derives from Latin episcopus and Greek episkopos, meaning overseer. The feminine form in Spanish is obispa.

Obispos oversee dioceses or equivalent jurisdictions, guiding clergy, teaching doctrine, and safeguarding the sacraments. They ordain priests and deacons, confirm lay members, and govern the pastoral and liturgical life of their communities. They exercise leadership in collaboration with other bishops within a province, a conference, or communion, and they claim apostolic succession—the belief that their authority is transmitted in an unbroken line from the apostles.

Appointment and structure vary by tradition. In the Roman Catholic Church, bishops are typically appointed by the pope and consecrated by other bishops; archbishops lead archdioceses and may oversee metropolitan sees. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, bishops participate in synodal governance; in the Anglican Communion, bishops are part of the episcopal hierarchy and may be male or female depending on the province.

Common episcopal symbols include the mitre, crosier, episcopal ring, and pectoral cross. Canon law or local practice often provides for retirement and emeritus status when a bishop reaches a certain age, while many duties continue in advisory or pastoral forms.